- Southland Football launched a public campaign to raise $60,000 for new turf project
- The new surface will boost safety, improve play quality, and support multiple sports codes
- Donations from individuals and businesses will be acknowledged at the new facility
Southland Football is calling on locals to help complete a major upgrade at Turnbull Thompson Park, launching a “Pitch in Southland” campaign to raise the final $60,000 needed to install a new state-of-the-art turf.
The organisation has already secured $910,000 in funding, thanks to a recent $350,000 grant from the Lottery Grants Board and significant support from the ILT Foundation, Invercargill Licensing Trust, Community Trust Southland, the Rio Tinto NZAS and Murihiku Rūnaka Community Development Fund, and its own contributions.
Now, with just a small funding gap left, the call has gone out to the wider Southland community to pitch in and help make the vision a reality.
“We’re really so grateful to our community funders who see the value in this new facility for the whole of Southland. We know it will have huge value not only to football but to other sporting codes and organisations, too,” said Board Chair Nick Hamlin.
“It’s such an exciting time for football. Our sport just continues to grow and this new turf really is needed to future-proof the game here, and ensure all of our players – from first kicks through to seniors – have access to a quality facility.”
The new turf, Tiger Turf Pure PT, is a major upgrade from the existing surface, which is nearing the end of its life. The new design offers improved safety, a softer playing surface, and better environmental performance with no rubber infill. It will also be able to host multiple games a day, thanks to advances in technology and durability.
“We really need community support to get us across the line. We know thousands of Southlanders love football – even if they don’t play themselves, their kids or grandkids do and get so much enjoyment from it, and we know how supportive our local community is, so we’re confident the community will help us see the project through to completion,” Hamlin added.
Southland Football has set up an online donation page, where individuals, families and businesses can contribute. All donors will be acknowledged on a permanent structure at the site, and a range of sponsorship opportunities are available.
To donate, visit givealittle.co.nz/cause/pitch-in-and-raise-the-turf. For sponsorship enquiries, contact [email protected].